Townsville Eastern Access Rail corridor
The Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor (TEARC), is a proposed rail freight connection between the North Coast Rail Line and the Port of Townsville.
The Port of Townsville is a key transport hub supporting regional and state economic activity. The preservation of the TEARC corridor supports long-term planning for freight efficiency and network connectivity across northern Queensland, including potential connections to the Mount Isa rail system.
The corridor is being preserved to ensure land remains available for a future rail link should freight demand increase over time. If developed, the project has the potential to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and reduce the number of freight trains passing through the Townsville city centre.
The TEARC is a long-term infrastructure initiative supporting the Port of Townsville’s ongoing role as a key economic driver for Queensland.
Benefits
- Increases capacity
- Improves network efficiency
- Improves flood immunity
- Contributes to economy
- Contributes to regional growth
- Reduces maintenance
Funding
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments. Investment ID: 738293 QTRIP 2024-25 to 2027-28
- Total investment
- $12.5 million
- Australian Government
- $6.25 million
- Queensland Government
- $6.25 million
Current status
Project background
In November 2017 - Building Queensland completed a detailed business case, assessing the viability of the project. The assessment found that, at that time, the costs of constructing the rail line outweighed the benefits.
These findings were accepted by both the Queensland Government and the Australian Government in early 2018.
Despite this, the corridor is being preserved to ensure land is available should future demand support development. Preservation activities include planning protections, environmental considerations and, where required, land acquisition.
Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholder consultation is underway and will continue as planning progresses.